The School District is responsible for the safety of all students using bus transportation. No student will be permitted to engage in conduct that could endanger his/her own safety or that of others. Students must understand that the use of School District transportation services is a privilege. All school rules and standards of conduct will apply at bus stops and on school buses. The school bus driver has the authority over students during the time they are on the bus. In order to accurately monitor student behavior, video cameras are installed on all school buses.
Bus assignments are established annually by the Transportation Department. Parents are urged to review this assignment with their child at the start of the school year. The following guidelines will apply for students who use School District transportation services:
At the Bus Stop
Students should arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before scheduled time of pick-up.
Students should only board the bus at their designated stop.
Parents are responsible for their student’s safety to and from and while waiting for the school bus.
Students should always walk single file on the left side of the highway facing traffic when en route to the bus stop.
Students should wait off the roadway clear of traffic.
Students should wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and for the door to open before approaching.
Students should ensure the road is clear and all traffic is stopped before they cross the road. Always cross in front of the bus when entering or exiting.
Students should enter the bus promptly and in an orderly manner.
Riding the Bus
Students must be seated front facing before the bus can move and remain seated while the bus is in motion.
Students should not tamper or damage the bus or any of its equipment.
Students should never extend their head, hands, arms, legs, or any part of the body out of the windows.
Students will not eat on the bus or posses illegal substances as in accordance to Policy #227 Drug & Alcohol, Policy #222 tobacco possession.
Students will not fight, hit, strike, kick, push, trip or slap or subject someone to physical contact.
Students will not engage in inappropriate language, foul or obscene words while waiting for or on the school bus.
Students will demonstrate respect while on the bus.
Students will not throw any objects in the bus or out of the bus windows.
Students will not display any type of behavior that would distract the driver.
Students are authorized to ride on assigned buses only and to get off and on only at their assigned bus stop.
Students are to remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.
Students may possess electronic devices on the school vehicles/buses as in accordance to Policy #237, but imaging and audio capturing capabilities are prohibited. Audio listening is only permitted by the use of an ear listening device. Audio is not permitted to be broadcast aloud.
When a student is reported to the office for misconduct on the bus, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. This action may include notification of the parents, assignment of detention, or any other consequence as determined by the building administrator. If the first offense is sufficiently serious, the privilege of bus transportation will be withdrawn for a specified period of time. Repeated violations of the rules for bus safety may also result in the suspension of bus transportation. Absence from school while a student is suspended from riding the bus will be considered unexcused/unlawful.
Riding a Different Bus
Students are not permitted to ride home on a bus other than their own regularly assigned bus unless it is an emergency. The building administrator will make the final determination for any requests for alternate transportation.
Bus Surveillance Camera Notice
(Reference: OJR School Board Policy #810.2 – Video/Audio Recording)
Students and parents/guardians should be aware that school buses have cameras monitoring bus passengers. The cameras record sound and visual images. Camera recordings are reviewed by school officials for discipline and safety purposes and may be provided to police or used in school disciplinary proceedings. Students should understand that their actions and words while on school buses will be recorded, and that they should have no expectation of privacy when riding school buses. Riding school buses constitutes consent to the audio and visual recordings by the surveillance camera.